5 September Insights

Gosh...the month has flown by!  Thank you so much for reading Fashionable Giving!!  Writing this month has helped me honor my nephew Jeremy's memory.  For those who have taken the time to comment, you have my gratitude.  At least some of the heart sadness has been repaired with your kind words and encouragement. Here's what I've learned this month about surviving suicide and doing my part to be part of the solution.

1. Learn. Educate yourself, your family and friends.  Suicide can happen to any family, at any time and there are almost always warning signs.  Knowledge is power!  Learn the warning signs of suicide and do not be afraid to ask the hard questions.  Learn about suicide in the workplace and what you can do to help a colleague who may be considering suicide. Read the stories of survivors and then write your own!
2. Listen.  Be fully present in each and every encounter - especially with teens. We have two ears and one mouth - it's probably best to use them in exactly the same ratio!
3. Reach out.  If you are a suicide survivor, find other survivors and conversations using sites like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook or one of the many websites dedicated to suicide.  Share your stories, share your grief and most importantly, share your progress.
4. Do Something Good.  Walk, ride or hold an event.  Raise money for an organization making a difference for suicide and prevention.  Raise awareness by getting active with an advocacy/public policy efforts sponsored by AFSP.  Consider the purchase of a Heart of Hope bracelet for holiday gift giving this year.
5. Encourage. In every encounter, you (and I!) choose our words. Make the deliberate choice to be encouraging, uplifting, positive or...silent. Send an encouraging Tweet, Facebook wall post, or eCard to someone you care about. I just might make the difference!

Which post resonated with you this month?